GUILTY OF ALL CHARGES. TOM BEGAYE JUNIOR ENTERED THE GUILTY PLEAS TUESDAY TO ALL SIX COUNTS HE FACED IN CONNECTION TO THE BRUTAL MURDER OF 11 YEAR OLD ASHLYNNE MIKE IN MAY OF LAST YEAR. AS PART OF HIS PLEA AGREEMENT, BEGAYE, WHO IS 28, FACES LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE.
BEGAYE ADMITTED TO KIDNAPPING THE GIRL AND HER BROTHER, DRIVING TO A REMOTE LOCATION NEAR THE SHIPROCK MONUMENT AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTING HER. HE KILLED THE 11 YEAR OLD ASHLYNNE BY STRANGLING HER AND STRIKING HER HEAD AND FACE REPEATEDLY WITH A TIRE IRON. HE THEN ABANDONED THE BOY OUT NEAR THE CRIME SCENE.
